November 5, 2003

Opinions

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Straight Rant

Melissa Beedle
OP Contributor

The Georgia Straight says the gov-
ernment has dropped pending
charges. The government has not
publicly addressed the situation.
So what is the story? Did I miss
something?

It amazes me that our govern-
ment can stake a $1 million claim
and then drop it without mention.
Like I said: did I miss something?
Okay, so this article started out as
a news piece and has now turned
into an editorial. My subjectivity
cannot be hidden, for that I apolo-
gize.

Unfortunately, the only way I
can give this subject the “punch” it
deserves is via editorial. Don’t take
offense J.J., but this is my Left
Hook. Perhaps it too will turn into
a column? A battle between oppo-
sitions? Bring it on.

This subject completely infuri-
ates me. Either our government
assumes we don’t pay attention or
else they plain forget. Either way,
they are abusing their elected
power. Ever since the Liberals
came onto the scene I have been
wondering what we can do to
bring back democracy. Do you
have any ideas?

So the government needs rev-
enue to make up for fast ferries
and other misdeeds I shall not
name (not enough time, not
enough space). Well, I can think of
plenty of methods—besides fining
the Straight—to increase revenue.
Why not ask the people? Why not
visit our educational institutes and
ask rising students for ideas? If this
is democracy, we do not need
defensive press conferences to
address voters. We, the public, are
not the enemies. They, the govern-

a?
Oy
‘rasa :

ment, need not get defensive when
we ask questions. Questions are
good, whether or not they lead to
direct answers.

I have read many articles criticiz-
ing governments without men-
tioning solutions. So now, I'd like
to challenge you readers to step up
to the plate. What can we do to
change the stakes? What is one
action you believe would create
change? Just one deed, pick one,
any one.

You say we can't do anything.
You say we are powerless. Even if
that is true, we cannot take this
lying down. And this is no con-
spiracy theory. If you read the
news, it fast becomes obvious that
the real issues are not being
addressed by our government or
the media. We have an ozone layer
that is falling apart, a healthcare
program that is in shambles, and
government corruption to top it
off.

I do not say this to depress you
but rather to provoke. If you are
not 100 percent happy with the
way things are being run, then say
something. Stand up for your-
selves.

We are not powerless. We gave
them power, we can take it away.
With every government cut they
are stepping on what little power
we have left. What happened to
democracy? The word has been
used and abused so many times,
I've lost track of where it went. It’s
time we start a revolution to
remold our definition of democra-
cy. Take back what they took away.
We want a healthcare system? We
want to have a say where our
money's going? That is our choice.

Money doesn’t talk, people do.

Fortunately, we have an upcom-
ing election on the horizon. As a
journalist, I do not deem it proper
to divulge my political affiliations.
But I will say this: do not consider
your vote wasted if you vote
unconventionally. Votes have not
yet been cast. And it is impossible
to accurately predict polls. Which
means: there are not two running
parties—despite what the spin
doctors say. There are the Liberals,
the New Democrat Party, the
Green Party, and others I cannot
name off the top of my head. But
check them out. Read about them.
Find out which party aligns with
what you truly believe. The only
catch is that sometimes parties are
not what they appear. Pay careful
attention.

If you're really ambitious, you
might want to get involved. You're
not going to find a more welcom-
ing party than a political one. I
don’t know about you but I want
to have a say where my money’s
going. If our government needs to
rob the Straight to pay Paul, then I
have something to say, and it’s
more than a four letter word.

Again, I have digressed through-
out this article. Truth be told, I
started out thinking the govern-
ment would respond to my emails
about the Georgia Straight fines.
Such a political world we do not
live in. They did not respond. So
the only story I have is the Georgia
Straights. Perhaps our govern-
ment’s policy is that no defense is
better than a weak one? Well that’s
not my policy. What’s yours?

 

Kim Meier
OP Photographer

accom na

Nafiza

 

(Third Degree

What did you do on

 

 

 

 

I worked! I
helped set up
the new
Walmart store.

I handed out
candy. The kids

were so cute!

Nothing special,
I just hung out
with some
friends.

 

 

   

 

Name: Kira

and Biology.

up? Employed!

Shaggy.

Beckham.
ommend it.

My friend’s apartment.

What are you taking at Douglas College?
Associate of Arts Degree. I’m in Psychology

What do you want to be when you grow

What's in your CD player? This morning it
was Dido, then I started listening to

The last movie you saw? Bend It Like
Was it good? Yes! It was really good. I rec-
Your favorite place to kick back and relax?

Have you bought any Christmas presents
yet? No, but I know someone who has.

 

Name: Clinton

Douglas for three.

Radiohead.

actually.

http://www.otherpress.ca

  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
     
     
     
     
     
   

What are you taking at Douglas
College? I'm in the Music Program.
It’s my first year, but I’ve been at

What do you want to be when you
grow up? A kindergarten teacher.
What's in your CD player?

The last movie you saw? I think it
was Down With Love.
Was it good? Yeah,

pretty good,

Your favorite place to kick back and
relax? At a friend’s place.

Have you bought any Christmas
presents yet? No.. first I need money!

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